CHILD CARE ACTIVITIES FOR WINDY MARCH DAYS --3/10/08

THE WIND SONG
Sit with children at a window and watch the leaves and branches on trees move as the wind blows. As you observe, sing this song...you'll know the tune!
(Tune: "Are You Sleeping?"/"Frere Jacques"):
Wind is blowing, wind is blowing,
Through the trees, through the trees.
Hold your hat on tight, let's go fly a kite.
Feel the breeze, feel the breeze.
Sway arms while repeating song.
Stand up and sing one more time, inviting children to sing with you. Sway together.

Talk about these ideas together.
* "Let's see if we can be like the wind. I'll blow gently on your hand. Can you do this to me?"
* "Do you like feeling the wind on your face?"

WINDY DAY PAINTING

Children can see how strong the wind is with this outdoor art activity. Watch as the wind blows the paint all around.

You'll need: large brown paper bag • liquid tempera paint • paper plates

What to do:
This can be a messy activity, so help children cover up with a large brown paper bag that has the head and arm holes cut out.
Invite children to put some liquid tempera paint on a paper plate. (You may need to add a few drops of water to make it runny.) Show them how to hold the plate up in the wind. Watch the wind spray the paint outward.
Put the plate in a sheltered place and let it dry.
Explore these ideas together.
* "What happened to the paint? What other things can the wind do?"
* "Can you think of another way to mix paint colors together?"